King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:10 Mean?

2 Kings 14:10 in the King James Version says “Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest ... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? at home: Heb. at thy house

2 Kings 14:10 · King James Version


Context

8

Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.

9

And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.

10

Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? at home: Heb. at thy house

11

But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah.

12

And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents. put: Heb. smitten


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 14 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Amaziah of Judah and Jeroboam II) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 14 regarding pride leads to downfall; god's mercy continues?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
הִכִּ֙יתָ֙1 of 16

Thou hast indeed

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

הִכִּ֙יתָ֙2 of 16

Thou hast indeed

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת3 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֱד֔וֹם4 of 16

Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

וּֽנְשָׂאֲךָ֖5 of 16

hath lifted thee up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

לִבֶּ֑ךָ6 of 16

and thine heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

הִכָּבֵד֙7 of 16

glory

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

וְשֵׁ֣ב8 of 16

of this and tarry

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ9 of 16

at home

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְלָ֤מָּה10 of 16
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תִתְגָּרֶה֙11 of 16

for why shouldest thou meddle

H1624

properly, to grate, i.e., (figuratively) to anger

בְּרָעָ֔ה12 of 16

to thy hurt

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וְנָ֣פַלְתָּ֔ה13 of 16

that thou shouldest fall

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

אַתָּ֖ה14 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וִֽיהוּדָ֥ה15 of 16

even thou and Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

עִמָּֽךְ׃16 of 16
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 14:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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